Arsenal remain primary contenders to sign Julian Alvarez this week after Atletico Madrid privately communicated they will not negotiate a transfer with Barcelona. Alvarez missed consecutive training sessions citing illness, while Atletico director Mateu Alemany traveled to London to discuss a potential fee reaching 150m euros (£128m).
Julian Alvarez Transfer Saga and Barcelona Refusal
The high-stakes transfer saga surrounding Julian Alvarez took a sharp turn this week as Atletico Madrid closed the door on a potential move to Barcelona, clearing a complicated path for Arsenal to pursue the Argentina international according to reporting from the BBC. Atletico officials communicated their refusal to negotiate directly with the Catalan club in private meetings earlier in the week. Julian Alvarez has not attended Atletico Madrid training since being told privately the club would not sell him to Barcelona and it appears the striker’s only way out is with a move to Arsenal. Sources told BBC Sport that Atletico communicated privately to Alvarez and his advisers earlier this week that they will not negotiate with the Catalan club over a move for the Argentina international. The 26-year-old has since missed two consecutive days of training citing illness. The La Liga club also released two public statements in the space of 24 hours reiterating their stance that Alvarez will not be granted his wish to join Barca in the coming days. Atletico, however, are open to selling Alvarez to Arsenal and have held direct talks with the Premier League champions over what would be one of the biggest transfers of the summer. Atleti director Mateu Alemany was in London last week, where he is understood to have met with Arsenal counterparts – and made clear his side would seek a fee of 150m euros (£128m). Mikel Arteta is desperate to sign Alvarez this month but his steadfast desire to join Barcelona has seen Arsenal’s pursuit halted. However, it is understood discussions between Atletico and Arsenal over a club-to-club agreement for Alvarez have been positive. Indeed, in the event of Alvarez giving Arsenal the green light to proceed with his signing in the coming days, a deal should move quickly. Alvarez has not attended team training sessions for two consecutive days, citing illness as reported by the BBC. His absence follows a summer marked by public declarations of his desire to move to Camp Nou. Barcelona previously submitted an offer worth €100million (£85m) for his services, which was rejected by their LaLiga rivals. Barcelona had been pushing hard to sign Alvarez this summer and previously saw a bid worth €100million (£85m) for his services rejected by their LaLiga rivals. The former Manchester City forward has been public about his desire to complete a dream switch to the Camp Nou, but Atletico have remained steadfast in their stance that he is not for sale this summer at any price. Atletico Madrid Statements and Fan Reaction
Frustrated by Barcelona’s prolonged pursuit, the Madrid club released two public statements within 24 hours to reinforce their stance. Following public comments from Barcelona president Joan Laporta in which he insisted they still wanted to sign Alvarez, Atletico released a statement that read:
There is 0% chance of selling him to Barca.
Atletico Madrid board statement, via BBC
The Atletico board doubled down on their stance on Thursday, releasing their own statement that read: The members of Atletico de Madrid's board of directors have unanimously expressed their absolute support for the club's decision to not negotiate the transfer of Julian Alvarez to FC Barcelona.
Meanwhile, tension has spilled into the stands. Although Alvarez was omitted from Diego Simeone’s squad for their LaLiga opener at home to newly-promoted Malaga on Wednesday night, small sections of the fanbase targeted him with negative chants and whistles who are angry about his wish to leave and join Barcelona, while a fan banner criticising his conduct also circulated on social media.
Asked about those chants after the game, Simeone maintained a measured tone:
I respect our fans very much.
Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid manager
Arsenal Talks and Valuation Discrepancies
Mateu Alemany Valuation of 150m euros
According to ESPN, Barcelona have now decided to end their attempts to sign Alvarez for now and are assessing other options to improve their attack before the end of the window amid links to the likes of Sporting frontman Luis Suarez, Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez and Villarreal duo Ayoze Perez and Georges Mikautadze. They have also been tentatively linked with a shock swoop for Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres. Barcelona boss Hansi Flick needs further reinforcements in the final third to complement the signings of Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, after Ferran Torres joined Paris Saint-Germain and Robert Lewandowski left the club at the end of his contract, moving to Major League Soccer (MLS) with Chicago Fire. With Barcelona reportedly stepping back from their pursuit to evaluate alternative attacking options, Arsenal stand as the primary remaining destination noted the BBC. Atletico director Mateu Alemany traveled to London to meet with Arsenal representatives, establishing a valuation of 150m euros (£128m) for the forward according to BBC Sport.
Discussions between Atletico and the Premier League champions have progressed positively on a club-to-club level reported the BBC. However, a significant hurdle remains in the player’s personal preference. The striker left Manchester City in 2024 and does not want to go back to the Premier League, despite Arsenal’s interest. His preference remains Barcelona, who are understood to be his dream club. Atletico subsequently complained to FIFA, alleging the Catalan club had approached Alvarez without permission. Real Madrid also made a shock €150m (£130m) offer for Alvarez in June, but it was swiftly rebuffed by their cross-city rivals.
Alternative Targets and Next Steps Before the Deadline
September 1 Transfer Deadline and Ezri Konsa Deal
As the September 1 transfer deadline approaches, Arsenal maintain a long-term interest in Alvarez as they look to step up their transfer business before the September 1 deadline, having agreed a £51m deal with Aston Villa for England defender Ezri Konsa. The Gunners are also moving to sign Manchester United youngsters James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye. Atletico, meanwhile, have explored various contingencies, including discussions involving a potential swap arrangement linked to Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres reported Mundo Deportivo. Atletico have also been linked with interest in Chelsea outcast Nicolas Jackson.
Whether Alvarez will ultimately drop his resistance to a Premier League return or if Atletico can resolve their impasse with the unsettled forward remains the decisive question before the window closes.
